The suburbs offer more space and privacy compared to living in a compact apartment complex in the city. Several big city suburbs, like West Melbourne, offer houses for sale to suit home seekers looking for more space to breathe.
A home on a plot of land is an attractive option when bringing up a family ‒ away from the expensive and crowded cityscapes. Being able to relax or entertain outdoors in the privacy of your own garden contributes to a better work-life balance and quality family time. How your garden looks depends on your taste, needs and budget. Many people take up gardening as a hobby, while many landscape gardeners are available to design your backyard professionally. Either way, you have plenty of garden styles to choose from.
Here are four popular suggestions:
Flower Gardens
For many, flowers define a garden, which is why flower gardens remain a popular choice for homeowners. Having a variety of colours adds an aesthetic appeal that is eye-catching to everyone. If you want to add a flower garden do some research into the plants you want to grow. The species may not suit the area where you’ll live. For example, tropical plants won’t last long during winter on the south coast, and planting pansies at the wrong time of year will result in a barren border instead of a vibrant flower bed.
Also, check the maintenance needed for your chosen flowers to grow. Low-maintenance flowers like daisies, hostas and hibiscus can tolerate high heat and drought. On the other hand, exotic flowers have special needs and require constant attention.
Herb and Vegetable Gardens
Growing your own herbs and vegetables offers many health benefits. You control what your family ends up eating and reduce your grocery budget. Growing your own vegetables also reduces your carbon footprint, as you avoid buying packaged goods.
Developing a herb and vegetable garden is simple as long as you carefully plan what you want to plant. If you are new to gardening, start with herbs and vegetables that are easier to grow and require less maintenance. You can try to plant other types of vegetables once you’ve gained experience.
Aside from deciding what to plant, you also need to consider factors such as the garden location, quality of the soil, and rotation of crops. Also, invest in pest control measures to ensure that the fruits of your labour aren’t eaten before they’re harvested.
Rock Gardens
Rock gardens put a creative twist in the traditional gardens, as they give the illusion that your garden is part of a rocky terrain. It also allows you to combine shade and sun-loving plants in the same space.
The key to success is to add rocks of different sizes in between your plants. Also, choose plants that are drought-tolerant, like small-bulb daffodils and wild tulips. You can also consider adding creeping plants to your garden so to soften the hard edges of the rocks.
Water Gardens
Water brings a sense of peace in a garden, making it inviting and soothing. Different elements can feature in a water garden, such as a small pond, an enlarged birdbath or an elaborate fountain.
Creating a water garden may seem daunting, but they can be built and maintained with minimum effort. After looking into the size and depth requirements that you want, it is a simple process to dig and seal a small pond in your yard, particularly if you buy a preformed plastic shell.
Keep in mind that you need to maintain the garden regularly to avoid algae problems and greenish water. Goldfish, koi and mosquito fish help fend off bugs, while tadpoles, snails and catfish eat dead and decaying matter. You can also set up a pond filter to regularly clean the water.
Just like the inside of your home, the garden is a reflection of your style. With so many types to choose from, you’re certain to find an option that fits your needs and taste.
